Civics 101

We know you learned all about how the government works in 6th grade, but if you're like us you probably forgot it all in 7th.

Here's a primer to jog the memory.

George Washington knew how frustrating political parties could be, and he wanted none of them in America. Yet, many impartial observers acknowledge they play some useful roles in a democracy.

When a president is elected with less than a majority of the total votes cast, many people scratch their heads, especially when they learn the Electoral College is the explanation. That’s what happened in 2000, when George Bush won the Electoral College although he had fewer popular votes than Al Gore.

With 435 members, the House of Representatives includes more elected officials than any other part of the United State government.

Members of the House vote on bills and resolutions; any legislation with the force of law must be approved by a majority of the members of the House and a majority in the Senate.

As the head of the executive branch, the President of the United States is responsible for carrying out the laws approved by Congress and the decisions of the federal courts.

The president serves as commander in chief of the nation’s armed forces and the most significant voice on foreign policy issues and has the power to sign or veto legislation approved by Congress.

With 100 members who have a greater degree of independence than their House counterparts, the U.S. Senate is the more deliberative chamber of Congress.

Because of arcane rules and procedures, a significant minority of senators -- or, in some cases, even a single member -- can grind the chamber to a halt or prevent it from considering controversial bills or measures.

Voting keeps getting easier, but you can’t do it through mental telepathy. You have to take a few definitive steps.

When 92 million people cast ballots, a single vote seem pretty small.
Still, there are plenty of reason for voting.